There is no holiday tradition more colorful or anticipated than the spectacular choreography and dazzling costumes of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Ballet. Presented as an introduction to the winter holiday season by Ballet Petit, this classic tale tells the heartwarming story of a young girl's Christmas dreams.

Ballet Petit opened in Newark in 1983 and now located in Hayward, has grown through the years to welcome enthusiastic audiences to warm and sophisticated performances suitable for the entire family. Although the focus of Ballet Petit remains on ballet as a classical art form rather than competition, both serious and recreational dancers have found a home at Ballet Petit. Many graduates have moved on to professional careers in renowned theater companies including The Royal Ballet of London, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Pacific Northwest Ballet, Cleveland San Jose Ballet and others.

The Nutcracker story begins as young Clara and her family prepare for a festive Christmas Party. A visit from Uncle Drosselmeyer includes magical toys for Clara and her brother Fritz; a life-sized dancing puppet doll, a ballerina doll, a soldier doll, and three mysterious boxes.

Fritz becomes jealous of Clara's beautiful Nutcracker doll and, while roughhousing, breaks it. Uncle Drosselmeyer repairs the doll and lulls Clara to sleep, where her Nutcracker doll guides her into the Land of Snow to meet dancing snowflakes. Angels then take her into the Land of Sweets to entertain her with dancers and introduce her to the Queen of the Kingdom, the Sugar Plum Fairy and numerous other characters. A rousing battle for dominance of the magical kingdom between the Nutcracker and the Rat King ensue.

Even for those who have shared this adventure many times, the draw to see it again is undeniable. The Nutcracker marks the beginning of the festive season and dancers of the Ballet Petit Dance Company take their place in history, their mark in a continuum of performances stretching back over 30 years.

Led by Peggy Peabody, Ballet Petit presents its thirty-fourth production of the holiday classic. In addition to evening performances, matinees are scheduled on both Saturday and Sunday.

The full-length performance of The Nutcracker with over 300 dancers is a beautiful production to begin holiday activities. Don't miss it!